The first TALSO meeting went very well - I regret that some of you could not make it. Special thanks to Gary Parker and GlaxSmithKline for hosting this event. We had a lively discussion covering laser safety challenges at our respective institutions, as well as some potential solutions to shared problems. In addition, it was decided that TALSO should remain very informal, with no bylaws, officers, rules of order, etc. However, Dan Sprau was elected in absentia as "TALSO President for Life" of this new organization [congratulations Dan!]. Participants agreed that TALSO provides a great way to network with local laser safety professionals, get ideas, benchmark, and help standardize laser safety programs in the area.

Some ideas for future meetings included:

- discuss sharing resources (e.g. perhaps jointly develop a shared training video, or organize a local 1-day LSO course for TALSO members who are new to laser safety)

- continue round table discussions, which were very helpful

- invite brief (~15 minute) presentations on various laser safety topics

- keep it informal; focus on lessons learned, etc.

The group also brainstormed the following list of specific discussion topics for upcoming meetings, including:

- Actual laser incidents/accidents

- Review of laser safety training programs in use at each institution

- Medical Surveillance (why, whom & how much?)

- Entry way controls for class 4 systems

- Tracking high power diode lasers

- Appropriate fire-proof materials

- Handling multiple wavelength lasers (e.g. TI:Sapphire)

- Release of class 3b & 4 lasers into surplus & unrestricted use

Which brings us to the next TALSO meeting, which is scheduled for 2:30 PM on December 13 at GlaxoSmithKline. An agenda & driving directions will follow.